as in restores
to free from moral guilt or blemish especially ceremonially
a day on which the faithful are expected to purge themselves of their sins through prayer and fasting
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Recent Examples of purges
Haugh lets out the occasional wince, twitch and groan as Patterson kneads knotted muscles and purges lactic acid build-up so Florida’s leading scorer and ironman can continue to shoulder his heavy workload.
—
Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
Unless a Nest user subscribes to a service that allows for quick access to review footage recorded on a device, Google routinely purges the footage rather than retain it indefinitely, said Stacey Higginbotham, a policy fellow at Consumer Reports who specializes in cybersecurity issues.
—Safiyah Riddle, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Unless the Heat releases Terry Rozier or purges some other salary in a trade, Miami would not have enough space to sign a 15th player to a standard contract — and remain under the luxury tax line — until December.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
Unless a Nest user subscribes to a service that allows for quick access to review footage recorded on a device, Google routinely purges the footage rather than retain it indefinitely, said Stacey Higginbotham, a policy fellow at Consumer Reports who specializes in cybersecurity issues.
—Safiyah Riddle, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Unless the Heat releases Terry Rozier or purges some other salary in a trade, Miami would not have enough space to sign a 15th player to a standard contract — and remain under the luxury tax line — until December.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purges
Verb
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The wax and sealant not only restores your chrome wheels’ glossy shine but also protects them by actively repelling brake dust, road salt and other debris.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
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The Final Cut doesn't include Ford's voiceover narration, restores an impactful dream sequence involving a unicorn, and maintains the director's original ambiguous ending.—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 June 2026
Verb
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The Kérastase Chronologiste Revitalizing Youth Shampoo removes buildup, cleanses the scalp, softens and strengthens strands (meaning less breakage), increases moisture starting at the root, improves follicle health (meaning less shedding), and imparts shine.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
15 June 2026
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Speaking of ventilation, don’t forget to breathe deep; a new electric air filter cleanses our world’s increasingly polluted atmosphere, an issue contributed to by the S-Class itself.—
Brett Berk,
Robb Report,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Time heals all and, in a few years, Meslier will perhaps be remembered for the two Championship titles and that unforgettable 2020-21 season with Bielsa in his pomp.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
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Because when an encounter — with a lover, a friend, a stranger or a new film by Ryusuke Hamaguchi — takes you to a place that transforms you, enlarges you and heals the hairline cracks where all the hope keeps leaking out, there is no such thing as too long spent there.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Verb
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This little houseplant is easy for beginners, safe around pets, purifies the air, and is forgiving of neglect.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Apr. 2026
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Designed with a blend of advanced filters, including stainless steel mesh and activated carbon, Aquabliss’ Shower Filter purifies your water and enriches it with vitamin C and tourmaline, revealing softer skin and glossier strands.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Purges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purges. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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